Wildfires are a natural hazard in woodland or grassland areas.

Quick Facts about Wildfires and how to assess their risks

• Fires caused by lightning account for 45% of fires, however, because they occur in remote regions and often in clusters, they represent 81% of burnt areas.

• Fires caused by humans account for the other 55%. However, these tend to occur in occupied regions and are generally extinguished quickly.

How to Prepare for a Wildfire

• Prepare an emergency kit.
• Remove possible fire hazards from around your house such as branches, dried leaves, and other debris.
• Purchase a good sprinkler and place it in an easily accessible area.
• Learn fire prevention techniques and share these with the other members of your family.
• Practice fire drills regularly with your family.
• Prepare a first-aid kit so that you can treat any injuries until medical help arrives.
• Plan out an evacuation route and ensure that every member of your family knows how to safely exit the house during a fire.
• Create an emergency plan and ensure that your family will know how to find each other and communicate in case they are separated.
• Teach all members of your family the STOP, DROP, and ROLL method in case their clothing catches on fire.
• Check your house to make sure that each room and each floor has a smoke detector.
• Contact your local fire department for fire prevention tips specific to your home or area.
• If you own a farm or ranch, it’s probably best not to shelter your animals during a wildfire because the shelter may catch on fire and your livestock may be burned alive.  Instead, leave your livestock free or if time permits, evacuate them to a safe region.